Join the 550,000+ independent landlords who rely on TurboTenant to create welcoming rental experiences.
No tricks or trials to worry about. So what’s the harm? Try it today!
Maine has a low unemployment rate, which pairs nicely with one of the highest minimum wages in the country. Maine is also one of the safest states and has a smaller population, making it a great place to consider for those wanting to relocate. For those landlords considering purchasing rental property here, Maine ranks as a top 20 state for affordability.
Laws that impact the rental market, landlords, and tenants are constantly being decided in states. Make sure you know what’s on your ballot – find Maine voting information here.
When it comes to Maine rental laws, there are a few specifics landlords need to know:
There are no additional rental application fee laws in Maine.
Landlords must hold security deposits in a bank or other financial institution.
Landlords must give 45 days’ notice before raising rent 10% or less. For rental increases over 10%, landlords must give 75 days’ notice.
Build a Maine lease agreement in less than 15 minutes.
There are three sections to a residential lease agreement. The first section outlines the custom details of the contract, such as who’s involved and for what address. Here’s an example Maine lease agreement listing details found in Section 1:
Below are answers to some of the most commonly-asked questions when it comes to landlord-tenant laws in Maine:
Yes. Tenants may withhold rent if a landlord fails to make requested repairs.
Evicting a tenant in Maine can take anywhere from one to two months, depending on the reason for eviction.
Maine is a landlord-friendly state because of the lack of rent control laws.
There are five reasons a landlord may file for eviction in Maine. The five reasons include failure to pay rent, violation of the lease agreement, the end of the lease term, safety violation, and illegal activity. Depending on the violation, the landlord must give the tenant notice and anywhere from 7 to 30 days to cure their violation.
If the tenant fails to cure or quit, then the landlord may file a complaint with the court, which costs $100. After the complaint is filed, it will be served to the tenant at least seven days before the hearing.
After the tenant is served with the summons, the hearing will be scheduled within 10 days.
If the court rules in favor of the landlord, then a writ of possession will be issued seven days later. The tenant will then need to move out within 48 hours.
Landlords must give a 30-day notice before asking a tenant to vacate the property.
TurboTenant has utilized many municipal sources along with official state statutes in order to compile this information to the best of our ability. However, local laws are always in flux, and landlords and tenants alike should do their due diligence and consult legal help when it’s needed. We hope the following list can serve as a valuable resource and allow you to succeed as a landlord or tenant in Maine. Be sure to take proper precautions when it comes to finding the top candidates for your unit by utilizing our online rental application and tenant screening services.
Disclaimer: TurboTenant, Inc does not provide legal advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only. All users are advised to check all applicable local, state, and federal laws, and consult legal counsel should questions arise.
Create a single Maine lease agreement, or subscribe and receive unlimited lease agreements, landlord forms pack, and e-signs for a simple annual fee. Be confident with all the legal forms and tools you need as a professional landlord.
Discover Our Unlimited PlanJoin the 550,000+ independent landlords who rely on TurboTenant to create welcoming rental experiences.
No tricks or trials to worry about. So what’s the harm? Try it today!